Press Statement by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
Date: October 10, 2025
Signed: Comrade Emma Powerful, Spokesperson and Media/Publicity Secretary for IPOB
1. IPOB Condemns Akpabio’s “Two-Faced” Remarks
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his recent comment suggesting that “both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB described Akpabio’s words as “cowardly political double-speak”—an attempt to whitewash the identity of those responsible for widespread terror across the country while scapegoating peaceful self-determination movements.
According to IPOB, Akpabio, like many politicians in Abuja, is fully aware of who the real terrorists are but lacks the moral courage to identify them publicly. The group accused him of intentionally avoiding the truth to protect vested political interests.
“Those who have killed thousands in the North and the Middle Belt under ethnic and religious cover enjoy state protection and political patronage,” IPOB stated.
“Yet when it comes to IPOB—a peaceful, unarmed movement—the same politicians suddenly find their voices.”
2. Fear and Complicity in Nigeria’s Political Class
The group alleged that Akpabio’s remarks reflect a broader culture of fear among southern politicians who, it said, often prioritize political survival over truth and justice.
“The Senate President’s fear is not his alone—it is a symptom of a system where truth is punished and silence is rewarded,” the statement read.
IPOB argued that many leaders in the South have become subservient to northern political interests, preferring to condemn harmless movements like IPOB rather than expose the armed terror networks—bandits, militias, and extremist groups—responsible for Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
3. IPOB Reaffirms Its Non-Violent Mandate
Reiterating its position, IPOB emphasized that it is not, and has never been, a terrorist organization.
The group maintained that it was founded to peacefully pursue the right to self-determination for the Biafran people, as recognized under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—both of which Nigeria has ratified.
“We have no record of bombing churches, attacking schools, or abducting citizens,” IPOB said.
“Those are the true hallmarks of terrorism—and they are being committed by groups shielded by the state.”
The group reminded the public that no credible international body—including the UK, EU, or United States—has ever classified IPOB as a terrorist group. Rather, foreign observers and human rights organizations continue to recognize it as a peaceful movement campaigning against systemic marginalization and extrajudicial killings.
4. “Real Terrorists Walk Free” — IPOB Accuses Nigerian Government of Bias
IPOB further accused Nigerian politicians of selectively applying justice, noting that known terrorist sponsors in the North continue to walk free while peaceful agitators are persecuted.
“When Fulani bandits kill, the government negotiates.
When IPOB speaks, they deploy soldiers,” the statement said.
“That is not justice—it is ethnic persecution disguised as national security.”
The group also condemned the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite a Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted him, and described his abduction from Kenya as “a violation of international law.”
5. IPOB’s Challenge to Akpabio and the National Assembly
The movement called on Akpabio and other lawmakers to demonstrate courage by addressing the real sources of terror rather than maligning IPOB.
“Until the Senate President and his colleagues summon the will to name the true architects of violence, any attempt to equate IPOB with terrorism remains a gross insult to justice,” the statement declared.
“Even a Canadian court once described APC and PDP as terrorist entities, not IPOB. Akpabio should reflect on that before making careless remarks.”
IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to lawful struggle, dialogue, and non-violence in pursuit of the liberation of the peoples of the former Eastern Region.
6. Conclusion: Truth Over Political Cowardice
In closing, IPOB urged Nigerian leaders to stop using its name as a distraction from the government’s failure to secure the nation.
“Nigeria is bleeding because those in power lack the courage to confront the real terrorists,” the statement concluded.
“History will remember IPOB as a movement that stood for truth when politicians chose cowardice.”
Signed:
Comrade Emma Powerful
Spokesperson and Media/Publicity Secretary for IPOB
